This widely popular gem is the fossilized resin or sap from coniferous trees that lived anywhere from 2 - 360 million years ago. The most interesting and valuable pieces of amber will contain inclusions of long extinct plant debris or small animals. Magical properties attributed to amber include cleansing, calming and protective effects. Currently the International Commission of Colored Gemstones (CIBJO) recognizes only five organic (once living material) gemstones: Ammolite, amber, pearl, jet, and coral.